Victoria C. Edades is a prominent Filipino modernist ​painter who played a crucial role in the ​development of Philippine contemporary art.

Born in 1895 in Barrio San Carlos, Pangasinan, ​Edades studied at the University of the Philippines ​School of Fine Arts in the 1920s. In 1928, he co-​founded the "Thirteen Moderns," a group of artists ​who sought to break away from the traditional and ​academic style of painting prevalent in the ​Philippines at the time.

Edades' most notable work is the ​painting "The Sketch," which he ​completed in 1928. It features a ​group of men sitting on a sidewalk, ​engaged in various activities such ​as reading, smoking, and sketching. ​The painting is considered a ​landmark in Philippine art history ​as it signaled the emergence of ​modernism in the country.

In addition to "The Sketch," Edades is also known ​for his other works such as "Mother and Child" and ​"The Builders". His paintings often depict everyday ​life and activities, with a focus on capturing the ​essence of Filipino culture.

Edades' contribution to ​Philippine contemporary art ​extends beyond his artwork. ​He was a professor at the ​University of the Philippines ​School of Fine Arts, where he ​taught and influenced many ​young artists. He also served ​as a mentor to the younger ​generation of Filipino ​modernists, including Jose ​Joya and Arturo Luz.

I choose Victorio C. Edades for various reasons. Firstly, Edades was a pioneering modernist artist in the Philippines ​who played a significant role in breaking away from traditional and academic styles of painting. His unique style and ​subject matter, which often depicted everyday life and activities in the Philippines, with a focus on capturing the ​essence of Filipino culture, makes his work appealing to those interested in Philippine contemporary art. Additionally, ​Edades was a professor and mentor to many younger artists, including Jose Joya and Arturo Luz, who would go on to ​become prominent figures in Philippine contemporary art themselves. Lastly, Edades' historical significance cannot ​be overlooked, as his painting "The Sketch" is considered a landmark in Philippine art history and signaled the ​emergence of modernism in the country. Studying Edades' life and works can provide insights into the development ​of Philippine art and culture during the early 20th century.

Why did you ​choose this ​National ​Artist?

What made him ​a National ​Artist?

Victorio C. Edades was declared a National ​Artist of the Philippines in 1976 for his ​significant contributions to the development ​of modernist painting in the country, his ​teaching and mentoring of younger ​generations of artists, and his promotion of ​Philippine culture and identity through his ​his career.

What impact did this ​National Artist bring ​to you as a youth and ​as a Filipino citizen in ​general?

Victorio C. Edades' impact on Filipino youth ​and citizens can be seen through the enduring ​influence of his works on Philippine ​contemporary art and culture, and the ​inspiration that he continues to provide to ​aspiring Filipino artists.